Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

 → Warning lamp  

 → Frontal collisions and the laws of physics  

 → What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts  

 → Seat belt protection  

 → Using seat belts  

 → Fastening and unfastening seat belts  

 → Seat belt routing  

 → Belt height adjuster  

 → Automatic belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter  

 → Service and disposal of belt tensioners  

Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing, belt connections, belt retractor or seat belt buckle become damaged, the seat belt in question should be replaced immediately by a qualified workshop  . The qualified workshop must use correct spare parts that are compatible with the vehicle, equipment level and model year. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

Additional information and warnings:

• Adjusting the seat position  

• Airbag system  

• Child seats (accessories)  

• Stowage  

• Cleaning and caring for the interior  

• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts  

WARNING

Incorrectly fastened or unfastened seat belts increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Seat belts will only offer the optimum level of protection when they are fastened and used properly.

• Seat belts are the most effective means of reducing the risk of serious and fatal injuries in the event of an accident. Seat belts must always be fastened properly when the vehicle is in motion to protect the driver and all vehicle occupants.

• Before every trip, each vehicle occupant must adopt the correct sitting position, correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to their seat and keep it fastened properly throughout the trip. This applies to all vehicle occupants and also in urban traffic.

• While the vehicle is in motion, secure all children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint system suitable for their weight and height. They must also wear correctly fastened seat belts   .

• Only start driving when all passengers have correctly fastened their seat belts.

• Only ever insert the latch plate into the buckle of the associated seat, and always ensure that it engages properly. Using a buckle that does not belong to the seat that you are occupying reduces the level of protection and can lead to severe injuries.

• Avoid allowing foreign bodies or liquids to enter the slot for the seat belt buckle. This could prevent the belt buckle and seat belt from working properly.

• Never unfasten the seat belt while the vehicle is in motion.

• Never allow more than one person to share the same seat belt.

• Never travel when children or babies are being carried on somebody's lap and fastened with the same belt.

• Never travel wearing loose, bulky clothing (such as an overcoat over a jacket). This could prevent the seat belts from fitting and functioning properly.

WARNING

Damaged seat belts are very dangerous and can cause severe or fatal injuries.

• Never damage the belt by trapping it in the door or in the seat mechanism.

• If the belt webbing or any other part of the seat belt becomes damaged, the seat belt may tear during an accident or sudden braking manoeuvre.

• Damaged seat belts must be replaced immediately with new seat belts approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Seat belts subjected to stress and stretched during an accident must be replaced by a qualified workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if there is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be checked.

• Never try to repair, modify or remove the seat belts yourself. All repairs to the seat belts, belt retractors and buckles must be carried out by a qualified workshop.